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“The General Assembly finds, upon consultation with the Governor, that every child can benefit from, and should have access to, high-quality early childhood education and development services. The economic future and well-being for the State depend upon it.”
– NC Legislation Authorizing Smart Start Funding, July 1993

Smart Start is North Carolina’s nationally recognized early childhood initiative. Funds are disbursed by the state legislature to local non-profit organizations, charged with implementing a comprehensive early childhood education initiative. The Rockingham County Partnership for Children is our local Smart Start agency. Led by a volunteer Board of Directors and relying on business and community leaders, parents, teachers, local agencies, nonprofits, and the faith community, our efforts are focused on building collaboration to ensure that children are prepared for success by the time they reach kindergarten.


North Carolina’s Smart Start began in 1993 with 12 pioneer Partnerships across the state and expanded to all 100 counties by 1998. The Rockingham County Partnership for Children is now celebrating eight years of service to the community, having incorporated in 1998.


Still, the Smart Start Initiative has yet to be fully funded by the North Carolina Legislature. Please join us in our efforts to advocate for children and in providing supports that will allow all children the same opportunities for success.
A parent’s influence has lasting effects and can take many forms, from daily attention given to your child to advocating on their behalf with your legislators.

How can I be a CHILD ADVOCATE?

Contact local media and ask them to explore programs supporting early childhood development.

Get to know your child’s teachers and facility. Ask questions of them— What is my child learning? What does my child need to be learning?

Find others locally who are of like mind and support each other’s efforts to spread the word. Write a letter-to-the-editor about young children's issues in your community

Know your legislators. Find out where elected officials stand on early childhood services and programs Write a post card or e-mail your legislators— remind them that you are one of their “folks back home.”

Educate elected officials about the importance of early childhood development.

Ask elected officials to support programs that provide programs and services for young children and their families.

Register to vote.

Sign up to be an E-advocate at www.ncchild.org.

Be a Part of Your Political Process!

The first step in the creation of public policy occurs when information and viewpoints are shared with elected and non-elected officials at all levels of government. YOU are the expert about your concerns, so sharing your knowledge with them is a valuable way to contribute to the political process. In order to stay in office, elected officials must respond to those they represent! As a constituent, the simple fact that you can vote makes you a powerful advocate.

For more information on how you can get involved Contact Us